2CV

Chances are that you have not seen a Citroen 2CV for sale recently. This car sank into obscurity with the unflattering label ‘tin snail’ attached to it. However, the Citroen 2CV will soon have a modernized successor. Based on the original design of 1948, the new 2CV will cater to the family car market. This is in line with the current trend of reinventing classic cars.

One will have no problems in identifying the new 2CV. It will feature the same curved bonnet, slab sides and covered rear wheels of the original. Citroen hopes to set up the new 2CV as a competitor for BMW’s high-profile Mini. Moreover, it will use an eco-friendly platform since it will feature plastic body panels, a hybrid diesel engine and low fuel consumption and emissions.

Unlike the original Citroen 2CV, the new 2CV will include high-tech features. However, it will sport the same minimalist design that made the first 2CV such a favourite. It will have the same big, thin-rimmed steering wheel, a retro speedometer and a gearlever mounted at the centre of the dashboard. The roof will feature either panoramic glass or a rollback canvas top, according to the buyer’s preference. The clamshell bonnet is reminiscent of the original 2CV’s.

The new Citroen 2CV will not come cheap, however currently the company is silent on the actual price. The mystery of the selling price will resolve itself in a couple of years – we will probably see the Citroen 2CV for sale by 2009 or 2010.